Characteristics of Wisteria

Wisteria can grow very high.

Primarily used as ornamental climbing vines, wisteria is a member of the Fabaceae family of plants. The famous 19th century botanist Thomas Nuttall named the deciduous plant after a prominent Philadelphia doctor named Caspar Wistar. The plant grows well on trellises, pergolas and fences, and some species can reach heights of 60 feet. Wisteria includes 10 species; two are native to the United States and the rest are from Asia. Suitable climate zones vary by species but most are appropriate for Sunset's Climate Zones 14 through 17.

General Attributes

Known for being hardy and long-living, Wisteria climbs very high, twining around supporting structures. The vines have dark green pinnate leaves of nine to 15 leaflets. The plant’s pea-like flowers grow in pendulous clusters and bloom in white and shades of pink, blue and purple. The plant’s seed is a flat green pod that appears after flowers bloom during the spring and summer. It is uncommon for wisteria to come under attack from pests and diseases, though aphids and scales are sometimes a problem. Use commercially available pesticide sprays to control these pests.

Species

The most popular wisteria species among gardeners are Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda). Chinese wisteria arrived in the West in the early 1800s. The flowers of this species are usually white or lilac. Among the cultivars are Plena, which has double lilac flowers, and Black Dragon, which has double dark purple flowers. Japanese wisteria came from Japan in 1930 to Western gardens. It has white, blue, pink or violet flowers. One cultivar of the Japanese wisteria, Violacea Plena, has double violet flowers. Although native to the southeastern United States and attractive to butterflies, the American wisteria is not as favored by gardeners. Its lilac flowers are smaller and also bloom later than the Asian types.

Planting Conditions

Propagate wisteria via seeds or cuttings. Plants from seeds take a long time to flower, up to 10 to 15 years. Even though wisteria is fast-growing, it can be difficult to establish. The plant fares best in full sun and in soil that's well-drained but moderately moist, acidic and loamy. Excess nitrogen in the soil leads to plants with fewer flowers and more leaves. The plant requires sturdy support, like wood, tubing or galvanized wire. Do not plant wisteria near areas where the stems can clog gutters.

Pruning Requirements

Some types of wisteria grow faster than others. Chinese wisteria tends to be rampant. In general, wisteria can strangle the trees or plants it twines around and is heavy enough to damage supporting structures that are too weak. Begin pruning the plant in early spring to control growth and get rid of wayward stems.

About the Author

Lauren Miller has more than 10 years of experience as a writer and editor. Her articles on technology, small business and legal topics have appeared in magazines, newspapers and trade journals. She has a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and is an avid gardener and sports fan.